AYYY lmao since I'm an idiot, the text was in a weird color, but I guess I'm gonna have to stick to this if you actually want to read it. :^(

Sigh. Since people are complaining, I might as well tell you :^D

Dylon is just sexually confused. DylonxAlice is only route in mind.(You can still change my mind if you try)

Luke and a future character(pun lol) are the ones with harems.

There are 3 main characters with 3 different stories and routes.

They will meet one day.

Impatient readers are such savages.

You can complain about my writing style and whatever else, but heyy, come on.

Mocking the story itself is just immature, isn't it?

Self-entitled little children need to grow up! I'm not writing this for you!

Mimulus is getting paid for this! Meanwhile, have some advertisements.

If you want to get paid for your writing, why not go to journalister.co? you won't regret it~

*I'm sorry for the chapterly rants, it's just that some people can really get on a girl's nerves, gnome sayin'?

Part 1

We had already left the dirty and... rather smelly slums area and returned to the hotel where I was previously lodging.

Because the rooms were rather cheap, Aya and Lyra had their own rooms.

Just 1 gold per night, so no problem.

Ah, what a nice place~

The citizens also slowly returned. I left about 10 gold in the place where we were previously staying in as thanks for when we stayed there.

It's not like they were there or anything, but I'd feel bad if we didn't pay for it.

I thought of leaving a letter behind but I figured they couldn't read.

Hmm... Even for the nobles, only a few of them are literate.

While thinking that, I had a little stroll with Aya and Lyra.

Aya stayed on my almost uninjured left side and Lyra guided me on my right side.

As we were walking, I noticed the gazes of people on me and whispering.

That day, I discovered that a rumour had begun spreading.

I don't know when or how, but people seem to have the impression that it was I who had defeated most of the bandit invaders by burning them to a crisp.

When I told them the truth, they told me I was simply being modest and that they were truly thankful to me for saving the city.

...That doesn't make any sense.

I took out seven at most. I even spared one!

Is this the effect of being a chantless caster...?

The rumor goes, "A beautiful sword-wielding flame princess defeated most of the bandits, killing their giant of a commander."

I mean, the only thing I think is right in that rumor is the fact that I'm beautiful.

Yes. I am drop-dead-gorgeous. Heh.

Flame princess? As if. Do I look that fragile to them?

...Even though I am.

I did take that giant's life, but... were they even sure he was the commander? Heck, how did they even know it was me?

Was it Kidnapper...?

It pisses me off that my mind automatically thought "It's fine if it's him."

I'll make him hot in another sense.

Wait... Does that mean I think he's hot right now? No no no... Ugh darn.

I'm getting off topic now, aren't I?

Anyway, when I told Kidnapper about this rumour, he explained to me that because there were people who thought it be a great idea to hide in their homes witnessed the little skirmish, the rumour must've exploded into something completely out of proportion, thus the truth had been bent.

At that moment, Kidnapper, for the first time ever, had me lost for words.

"...Who are you?" he asked.

"A sheltered Icelance I've never heard of a year ago suddenly came out of nowhere, devastating the realm. Her fighting style is beyond unorthodox, even breaking her own limbs because of her own measures. It seems as if she knows how to apply it, but doesn't have the body for it. That is... impossible, normally. You also recover fast... It's too long for magical means, but rather quick for natural means. Allow me to rephrase the question... milady, what are you?"

I inhaled sharply before looking down, as if I'd find the answer there.

After a few seconds of silence.

I looked him straight in the eye with a lonely smile on my face, "Why, does it seem like I don't belong here? Do I seem like a monster to you?"

As I said that, water began forming in my eyes. Oh, dear. Dust again...

I wanted to end it there, "Do you think I like it here? Do you think I want to be here?" but my words didn't stop.

My words flowed like water, unrestrained.

All of my complaints, even the ones completely unrelated spilled out.

Why can't I use healing magic? Why did I get transported here? Why didn't I help that wolf immediately? Why? Why?? Why am I... only good at harming others... even in that forest. I... burned it down to the ground, didn't I?

Even if everybody told me it was alright.

Even if nobody blamed me for it.

That it was all an accident.

I even brought about the fact that having my period once a month is torture.

Before I knew it, I was shouting. Loudly spouting at Nide, I didn't notice the hot tears on my cheeks.

The moment I had let out the last of my complaints, I immediately ran away from the speechless Nide.

I escaped to my room and sobbed on the pillow, hiccuping audibly.

Sorry, Mr. Pillow... you're soaked now...

I'm sure Aya was asleep, I hope I didn't wake her up. Growing ones need their sleep...

tok tok

Just as I was thinking about random things, someone knocked.

"I'm asleep..." I answered.

Ignoring my words, a worried Lyra entered my room. 

I sat up as she approached, not bothering to hide my tear-strained face.

She sat on the side of the bed, her legs were close together and her skirt was rather long, reaching all the way to her ankles, showing almost none of her white skin.

This girl never wears pants, huh? I wonder what would happen if her tail came out while she was wearing pants...

As I was thinking of something weird, she suddenly lifted up her skirt, all the way until it reached only her knees.

She then proceeded to place a hand on my cheek before rubbing that hand on her legs.

Her tail had come out, but she still didn't say a word.

Oh... So she could do that with tears as well. How... creative.

After about two minutes or so, she flipped my pillow over and asked me to lay down.

I did so without question. I wonder what she's going to do.

She then shifted a little bit sideways, her back now aligned with my shoulders.

Quietly, she caressed my forehead. I closed my eyes, thinking it was comfortable.

Suddenly,

"Oh dear mai-den, beautiful and wise

Understand, please. That they will never see

Problems like so will naturally arise

Jolly are most when your face seen with glee--"

Lyra began singing like telling a story.

It was about a girl. A lot of people adored her. But also feared her.

The problem was that the one who feared her the most was herself.

The girl was frightfully strong which is why people feared her, but she was also kind and gentle.

Say, is this song about me? I am... not such a nice person.

Lyra sang so beautifully and with so much emotion that a small smile appeared on my face.

I wonder how I'll face him tomorrow?

All the stress I had piling up had been thrown  directly and indiscriminately at him... I have to apologize, don't I?

Maybe tonight just wasn't my night... I can't believe I said such things. I hope I didn't spill out any secrets by accident.

I've... become such a girl.

As Lyra sang, my consciousness sank into a deep slumber.

I couldn't help but feel deep regret that I couldn't see the moon that night.

Part 2 - Nide's Point of View

"...So I was right."

I sighed as I stared out the window, watching the sky.

"...I hope I don't get killed tomorrow." I spoke to no one in particular as a wry smile appeared on my face.

"Looks like I have to apologize to her Majesty--no... to her Grace, lady Alice."

Looks like I really hurt her this time.

I regretfully sighed as I stared at the blood red moon.

Part 3

This morning, I woke up and found a cute little animal sleeping next to me.

"Mamaa~ Uwuu...~"

It was an Aya.

She sleeptalked a bit and I found it adorable, so I hugged her tightly.

I couldn't help but get worried, however.

Shouldn't she be playing with children her age?

She's been together with an irresponsible mother, a kidnapper creep and a mute beauty.

Honestly not a very good environment.

I needed to find her some four-year-old playmates.

That's what I thought, but--

How did the situation become like this!

"Mother...!"

"Maamaa~"

"Ma'!"

"Moommyyyy~"

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"Aya has sisters?!"(Aya)

What is with this situation?!

Let me go back to four hours ago...

After I had gotten up from the bed, taking care not to wake little Aya up, I slowly made my way to Lyra so she could help me take a bath.

I opened the door leading to the hallway--

"..."

"..."

There was a Kidnapper there, with a pose as if ready to knock.

"D-Did you sleep well, milady?"

"Ah... erm... yes..."

Darn. Can't. Make. Eyecontact. Help~

Awkwardly, I pass by him.

After a few steps--

Stumble

Fall

Crash

"Y-Your Grace?!"

Crapcrapcrap! I fell on my face! Urk... How embarrassing...

"A-Are you alright?"

"Y-Y-Yeees~ I-I'm fine..."

What am I doing?!

I must seem like an idiot, not even getting up as I said that.

No, seriously. My face was still flat on the floor when I said that.

"Uh... Do you need any help...?"

"Ah, no... I-I'm fine... I... l-like the floor..."

"Erm... milady?"

Luckily, Lyra who heard the commotion came over and rescued me from all that malarkey.

While Lyra and I were bathing,

"Wahh~ Lyraa~"

I wailed.

"M-Mistress-- please don't cry."

Lyra was flustered and didn't know what to do, so she only proceeded to wash my hair gently.

"B-But... but--! I want to apologize... I-I just... don't know how to... earlier, I... I wanted to apologize, but I ended up doing and saying strange things!" 

I held my head.

Am I an idiot?! What the heck was I doing?!

"Hrrm... well. Give it time, I guess? I believe in you, mistress! You can do it!"

She was behind me, so I couldn't see her face, but I felt the warmth in Lyra's tone.

"Easy for you to say~! It's difficult... Ah, some got into my eyes..."

I lightly rubbed my eyes.

"Oh no, I'm sorry! Ah, don't rub them-- H-Here, rinse it with this, mistress!"

She handed me the square-shaped showerhead.

I washed away the suds that got into my eyes.

After that, we talked about how I could apologize to that Kidnapper, which then changed into what food Lyra likes so I could treat her.

She insisted that she only wants to serve me as her previous master died in the raid, but I'd rather have her as a servant rather than a slave.

When I told her she would get paid, her eyes widened and she gulped.

What? Was it something I said?

We eventually got off that topic and started talking about something else.

Sadly, time was up and her legs returned.

Aww~ I wanted to talk to her more. Oh well.

We got out of the bath quickly after that.

Baths are so soothing~

I told Lyra about what I wanted to do.

Aya was a playful child. She loved to move and she would often hum tunes she hears me sing.

She is very energetic and is kind to Lyra even after she knew she was a Rine.

Or perhaps she just can't tell the difference between Lyra and a normal human? Ah, youthful innocence.

This way, she'll be able to get along with others~

I think it's fair to say that Aya is also pretty cute.

M-Maybe all the little boys will be after her!

...I have to find her some girl playmates first.

B-Boys come later.

Lyra and I walked around the city, looking for some sort of park.

Taking a quick break, we bought some sweet bread at a corner shop.

They were unbelievably good!

Funny thing is, when I ordered, the man said that it was 2 silver for a dozen.

I apologized and told him I only had gold coins.

His mouth hung and his eyes opened wide at my proclamation.

...What?

I handed him a gold coin and said I'd buy 25 dozen.

Of course, he closed up shop because of that, having no more of his sweet bread to sell until he makes more.

Urgh. 50 silver is too bothersome to carry, so I gave it to Lyra to hold for now.

"Mm~ Do you want some more, Lyra? This dozen's almost out... Er... I ate too much, sorry."

Lyra shook her head a little bit flustered.

"Come on, don't be shy now. We bought a lot. I think it's fine, we can give away the rest to Aya's playmates."

...I think I might have bought too much. I can't help it, it was too cheap!

By the way, I was wearing the white dress that I actually own, while Lyra was wearing a pink dress that I lent her.

At first, she was reluctant but I managed to convince her to wear it.

It fits her~

"Hey, Lyra."

She looked at me and tilted her head. "Yes, mistress?" was spelled out in her action.

With that thought, there was another reason why I invited her other than finding Aya some playmates.

"Let's go shopping~"

For some reason, I felt excited.

With that, I completely forgot about my problem with Kidnapper.

Part 4 - Aya's Point of View

*note that Aya speaks in the third person so I'm sorry if it's a bit confusing.

Aya woke up and saw that mama was not here.

At first, Aya cried when she couldn't find mama, so Aya ran out of mama's room only to bump into Nide.

thud

"Ahhwhhiee~"

Aya held her head as it accidentally bumped into Nide's hip.

"Uweeeehn~"

Ouuuuuch! Aya began crying. Because it hurt!

"A-Aya! Are you alright? I-I'm sorry! Please don't cry! C'mon, look at the funny face~"

Nide carried Aya in his arms as he crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue.

How did he do that? How silly~

"Uhahahya~ Hehahaha~"

As Aya laughed, Aya noticed his nose.

Nide was big. Or maybe Aya was small?

"A-Ah... Aya, I gan't breeth nao."

"?"

Hmm?

"L-Led gow ov my nowz--"

"Uhyaha~ Naii-te talks funny~"

Nide happily smiled and patted Aya's head.

"Does it still hurt?"

"?"

What does?

"This one."

Nide then rubbed Aya's forehead.

"Mm? No~ Aya is okay now~"

Oh! Almost forgot...

"Naii-te?"

"Yes?"

"Whewe did mama go?"

Nide's face then turned weird and he scratched his cheek.

Maybe he doesn't know? Is he keeping a secret from Aya?

"Ah... your mama, eh? She went out for a bit. Do you want to go look for her?"

Do you want to go together? he asked.

Yay~

Aya cheered.

"Alright then. Let's get you dressed so we can look for your mama, okay?"

"Okay~"

Part 5

"Oh my, oh my~ Lyra, look at this one! Charming pie-- Ah... Er... W-Why does it have a hole there...? Erm... Never mind."

I immediately returned the piece of fabric I was holding as I saw a slight... Error in the production.

Ah... I think it just wasn't finished yet.

Mm, yes. Indeed~

Lyra, on the other hand was blushing all the way to her ears.

Why are you blushing? There was just a mistake in that product, that's all...

I thought as I dragged Lyra away from the underwear section.

"Can I help you two ladies? What type of clothing are you looking for?"

A salesgirl approached us.

Thank the heavens.

The girl led us around the large store as I spoke of what we wanted to buy.

I had to address the lack of underwear first, as it was a necessity. After that, it was just me indiscriminately buying clothes that I liked and thought fit Lyra's appearance.

I also bought a new sunhat. Three of them, as a matter of fact~

Everything in the store costs about four silver and Lyra looked like she was reluctant to take any. But I told her that it was fine to be a little luxurious as she had been through a lot as a slave.

Her previous master had been a man as well. Just thinking about what he had done to her makes me want to hug her. Poor thing~

"A-Ah. Dear customer, please refrain from wiping your tears with the merchandise..."

"Oh no, I'm sorry. Add that to our cart, then. We will also purchase it."

And so, I continued to add dresses to the list and ended up spending a gold coin and fourty-seven silver coins.

Oh well~

"A gold coin and a half?! P-Please be our manager!"

"I didn't even convince her to buy anything! I-I don't deserve this recognition!"

Meanwhile, it looked like the salesgirl who helped us was being promoted. Good for her!